The Divine Prerogative of Sub-Saharan African Influence during the United Kingdom

The Bible presents God’s magnificent divine plan, executed by chosen people for a specific purpose. There are illustrations of those from various regions impacting those worldwide throughout the Bible. While much of the Old Testament takes place in ancient Mesopotamia, the magnitude of God’s plan is global. This paper will examine sub-Saharan people groups in Africa, particularly the Kushites, and their impact on the Israelite Monarchy. Africans made valuable contributions within Israel to shape the nation’s early formation and throughout Israelite history. People of African descent helped shape the United Kingdom. God utilized the unique abilities of the Kushites to equip and protect the Israelites, as foreigners played a pivotal role in the kingdom’s administration and army. Additionally, Kushite military might and wealth reflected God’s vision throughout Israel’s eventual fall and exile. God utilized these Africans to reveal Israel’s need for Him while providing divine support and favor. The Kushites intervened for Judah and Jerusalem as their ally when they were on the brink of destruction and utterly vulnerable to foreign invasion. The Kushites exhibited exemplary courage and truth, virtues that the biblical writers recognized and often highlighted in Africans. They had no prejudice against African people but held them in high esteem. Instead of mistreatment due to the color of their skin, Kushite culture and character were positively welcomed by the Israelites. This study will serve as a reflection of hope for those underrepresented and a reminder of African value in the eyesight of God. Also, through proper examination of specific African characters, we hopefully will be able to glean the necessity of the inclusion of all in God’s redemptive plan.